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3NPS vs CAGED
Three-notes-per-string and CAGED are two ways of carving the same scale into fretboard positions. What each is for, where each is awkward, and how to use both.
Two maps of the same territory
Both systems divide a scale into positions you can play without shifting your hand. CAGED builds each position around one of the five open chord shapes, so every position has a chord in the middle of it. Three-notes-per-string (3NPS) ignores chords and puts exactly three scale notes on every string, which gives seven positions, each starting on a different scale degree.
Same notes. The question is only which grid you want under your fingers.
What each is good for
- CAGED for chords and rhythm. Because each position is a chord shape with the scale wrapped around it, you always know where the chord tones are. Ideal for chord-melody, for targeting arpeggio notes, and for players who think in chords.
- 3NPS for speed and modes. Three notes on every string means the picking pattern repeats string to string, which is what makes fast alternate-picked and legato runs possible. And the seven 3NPS positions of a major scale are its seven modes, one each — so 3NPS teaches modes for free.
Where each is awkward
- CAGED positions have two notes on some strings and three on others, so the picking pattern changes every string and runs feel lumpy at speed.
- 3NPS positions span four or five frets and often need a stretch, and because no chord sits inside them, players can lose track of which notes are chord tones.
The honest answer: both, in this order
- Learn CAGED first if you came from chords. Learn 3NPS first if you came from riffs and solos.
- Then learn the other one, and notice that they overlap. Every CAGED position contains pieces of two 3NPS positions.
- The E shape of CAGED against the seven 3NPS positions of G major — same notes, two grids.